I've always had a tulpa. It just started when I started gaming. I almost force myself to be with this "imaginary" friend that I think is just my conscious speaking to myself. For example, I'm playing a game. When I get off of my computer, I then pretend to still be playing, but with this "tulpa". This tulpa is effectively my friend that (in my opinion) replaces all the friends I don't have. It's almost like a soul-mate but invisible and doesn't actually exist.